One of the UK's favourite public formation films, Joe and Petunia, has been given a 21st century makeover. The animated characters first appeared on our screens in 1968 urging people to dial Her Majesty's Coastguard on 999 for coastal emergencies. The Central Office of Information (COI) has rescued the film from the archives on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to commemorate COI's 60th anniversary. The original film has been digitally re-mastered and its original features have been updated to reflect society today. Petunia - still voiced by Wendy Craig - is now listening to an iPod and reading a glossy gossip magazine. Joe's knotted hanky has been swapped for a trendy check cap and he dials 999 from his mobile phone when they finally realise a man at sea needs help. John Astbury, MCA's Chief Executive, said: "The original film was extremely effective in raising awareness that HM Coastguard is a 999 emergency service. This message is equally important today so we were delighted to work with COI to re-launch the film with a modern twist." The film recently scooped third place in a BBC online poll run in association with The National Archives and COI. Alan Bishop, COI's Chief Executive, said: "COI has been producing public information films for 60 years and they have an enduring appeal. It's great that we can celebrate this work by combining the past and present." Wendy Craig, the actress who provided the voiceover for Petunia, comments: "I hope people who saw the film first time around will have fun spotting the changes."